Homeschooling has been gaining popularity all over the world in the recent years. There are several advantages to homeschooling your child, and many parents who prefer this way of education.
In India, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is the main board of education where most schools are affiliated to. It sets the guidelines for schooling and also provides support and resources for both students and teachers. So, the question remains: Does CBSE allow homeschooling?
1: What Is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is the practice of teaching and educating children at home, instead of enrolling them in school. This method of education is becoming more and more popular as parents, who are now aware of the need for alternate methods of teaching, are taking up homeschooling for their children. Generally, in homeschooling, parents or other family members would take on the role of educator and be responsible for supervising the educational progress of their children.
2: Reasons For Doing Homeschooling
There are many reasons why parents prefer homeschooling for their children. One of the main reasons is that children can learn at their own pace. Unlike in a classroom, where teachers have to maintain a pace that suits most students in the class, homeschooling allows the parent-tutor to adjust the learning pace according to the needs of the child.
Another reason is the flexibility it provides. This can come in handy if the child has certain interests or requires more attention on a certain subject.
The parent-tutor can easily provide special attention and assistance to the child to help them understand a topic better. The structure of schooling can also be tailored to fit the child’s needs, which includes more room for enjoyment and recreation.
Lastly, when it comes to moral values and beliefs, the parent’s control in the teaching of the child outweighs the control of a school. This means that the parent can make sure of what the child is being taught, rather than relying on the school to impart the correct values and teachings.
3: CBSE Rules and Regulations
The CBSE is a governing body that provides support to affiliated schools and also sets standards for teaching and education for a variety of levels. Homeschooling does not explicitly come under their guidelines and there is no specific regulation when it comes to homeschooling.
However, CBSE does view homeschooling as a valid method of education and encourages parents to opt for it in case their circumstances prevent them from enrolling their child in a regular school. CBSE states that parents should ensure that their homeschooling program complies with the laws of the state and is in accordance with the board’s standards and regulations.
4: Homeschooling with CBSE Affiliation
Homeschooling can also be done with CBSE affiliation, which means that the parent-teacher can provide their child with an education that is officially recognized by the board. To do this, the parent-teacher must first register with the board and obtain the necessary documents.
This includes submitting a set of documents, such as proofs of identity, birth certificates and other requirements. Once this is done, the parent-teacher can then follow the guidelines set for homeschooling by the board. This includes creating a detailed curriculum, obtaining the necessary materials, understanding the board’s standards and regulations, and sending in progress reports of the student and assessment scores.
The student must also appear for the board’s yearly assessments, which are conducted to monitor their progress.
5: Benefits Of CBSE Affiliation
CBSE affiliation can bring a number of benefits to parents who opt for homeschooling their child. Firstly, it allows the child to take up the board’s examinations and pursue higher studies if they wish to.
Secondly, it helps parents ensure that their child is getting an education that is up to the standard of the board and is recognized across the country. The affiliation also helps parents access the resources and materials provided by the board, which can be of great use while homeschooling. This includes study materials, syllabus and assessment guidelines, and much more.
Lastly, students with CBSE affiliation can also take part in the talent and essay competitions organized by the board.
6: CBSE Guidelines for Homeschooling
The CBSE has set out certain guidelines for homeschooling that parents must follow. These guidelines include the setting up of a timetable for the studies, providing the student with proper study materials and guidance, ensuring that the student meets the educational goals of the board, and ensuring that the student complements the purpose of schooling.
The parent-teacher must also create detailed lesson plans and conduct tests and assessments with the student. The parent-teacher must also provide the student with the necessary guidance and counseling, as well as help them develop social skills. In addition, the parent-teacher must provide the board with timely reports and assessments of the student’s progress.
7: Homeschooling And Distance Learning Programs
The CBSE also allows homeschooling in conjunction with distance learning programs. These programs allow the student to study from home and follow the curriculum of the board. The parent-teacher must provide the student with the necessary study materials and guidance, and follow the assessment pattern set by the board.
The parent-teacher must also ensure that the student is able to complete the syllabus of the board within the stipulated time period, and send in their assessments and reports at regular intervals. This can be done through using digital platforms, such as email and Skype.
8: Support Provided By CBSE
The board provides a variety of support and resources to parents and students who are opting for homeschooling. This includes an online portal, where parents and students can refer to the syllabus, get support and guidance, and participate in the board’s examinations and competitions. The board also has a dedicated helpline, through which parents and students can get their queries answered by experts.
The helpline can provide guidance regarding various aspects of homeschooling, and also direct the parent-teacher and the student to the relevant resources provided by the board.
9: Homeschooling Through Recognized Institutions
The CBSE also allows homeschooling through recognized institutions, which are usually homeschooling institutions or non-profit organizations. These institutions provide homeschooling programs that are recognized by the board. They also provide proper guidance, teaching materials and resources, and ensure that the student meets the syllabus and educational goals of the board.
The institutions also provide the necessary certificates to parents and students, which will help them access higher education and other opportunities provided by the board.
10: Pros and Cons of Homeschooling
Homeschooling can be both advantageous and disadvantageous to the student and the parent-teacher. On the one hand, it provides more flexibility in terms of pace and structure. It also allows the parent to take more control of the child’s education and ensure that they are getting the necessary attention and guidance.
On the other hand, homeschooling can be a very challenging task for the parent-teacher. It requires a lot of dedication and hard work, and can be very time-consuming.
The parent-teacher must also possess the necessary teaching skills in order to be able to properly guide the student. Lastly, since homeschooling is not officially recognized, it can be difficult to guarantee a quality education and also get recognition for it in terms of higher education and job opportunities.
11: Financial Burden Of Homeschooling
Homeschooling can be quite expensive in terms of both time and money. The parent-teacher must acquire the necessary materials, such as books and other teaching resources, which can be a major financial burden.
They must also pay for the examinations conducted by the CBSE, as well as any tuition fee charged by the institutions or organizations offering homeschooling programs. The parent-teacher must also consider the costs of travel and other miscellaneous expenses, such as stationery and books. Lastly, they must also consider the amount of time they have to dedicate towards teaching the student, which can have an impact on their career and other activities.
12: Alternatives to Homeschooling
Alternative options for parents who are unable or unwilling to opt for homeschooling include enrolling their child in regular school or a distance learning program. Regular schools are the most conventional and widely accepted method of education, although there are also many other options available, such as online schools, virtual schools and correspondence courses.
Distance learning programs are courses that are conducted online, or partly online and partly in-house, which allow the student to study from home. These programs provide the student with flexibility and allow them to access better facilities and professors to help guide them in their studies.
13: Conclusion
It is evident that the CBSE does not explicitly prohibit homeschooling, although it does not encourage it either. The board’s guidelines provide homeschoolers with the necessary support and resources to carry out the program successfully and also provide recognition for it.
Whether one wishes to opt for homeschooling for their child depends heavily on the individual circumstances. Homeschooling can bring both advantages and disadvantages, although it mostly depends on the dedication and commitment of the parent-teacher. Therefore, one must make an informed decision that is best suited to the needs of the student.